Phila. Taxi Drivers Say Strike During DNC Is Possible
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's taxi drivers say a work stoppage during the Democratic National Convention remains an option.
Taxi drivers want a judge to block last week's deal between the Philadelphia Parking Authority and Uber, in which the PPA agreed not to take enforcement actions against UberX drivers for 90 days.
Common Pleas Judge Linda Carpenter will hold a hearing July 22. Ron Blount, president of the Philadelphia Taxi Workers Alliance, had threatened a strike during the DNC to protest the agreement. He says his group will keep exploring its legal options, but a strike is still possible.
"If we're unsuccessful, to us, it's the end of our industry. So desperate people do desperate things and we really don't have a choice."
The judge yesterday ruled that her previous order declaring UberX illegal stands. Uber, in a statement, said the judge's order did not invalidate its agreement with the PPA.
The PPA had no comment.